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AAP
Sport
Joel Gould

Proteas believe they can still win Test

South African batter Kyle Verreynne proved some resistance for the Proteas against Australia. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne says there is still belief in the dressing room that the side can win the first Test against Australia despite being bundled out for 152 on the first day of the opening match at the Gabba.

The Proteas hit back with two late wickets, including that of Steve Smith, to have Australia 5-145 at stumps.

South Africa have struggled to make big totals in recent times and that remains their achilles heel, but when Verreynne looks at the pace quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje he feels like anything is possible.

"The initial feeling (after being bowled out cheaply) is probably a bit of disappointment but then you look around in the change room at our four quicks and spinner (Keshav Maharaj) and everyone gets a bit excited and thinks 150-odd on the board might be enough with what we have got in the changeroom," he said.

"That is the approach we are looking to take. Obviously as batters we need to be better, but with the bowling line-up we have there is a belief our bowlers can do the job."

When Rabada knocked over David Warner first ball with a searing short delivery Verreynne said it gave the side an adrenaline rush that continued for the next 10 overs.

After having Australia 3-27 they let it slide but two late strikes have boosted the group.

"Those two wickets bring us back into it," he said.

"I think there is a little window open for us now going into tomorrow if we can start off well."

Verreynne top-scored with an aggressive 64 off 96 balls after coming in at 4-27.

He said the positive approach worked for him, as it did for counterpart Travis Head who was unbeaten on 78 at stumps.

"Fortunately I have played a decent amount of first class cricket and batted a bit higher up the order. I have been in similar situations in the past and been reasonably successful," he said.

"It is a bigger stage, but you always have that reference point of having done it previously.

"I feel like it is a really good batting wicket to be honest. Me and Travis are really positive players and it worked today."

Nortje, Rabada and Jansen in particular rattled Australia's batters at various stages and the second day could be even more lively.

"There is definitely a bit left in the tank for our bowlers and I think the pitch is going to quicken up tomorrow," Verreynne said.

"KG (Rabada) always targets the big players. That is something he is really good at. If we need someone to crack a game open...he is always the guy we look to."

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